‘Kazungula Bridge on course’

THE construction of the Kazungula Bridge is on course and the Zambian government is still committed to ensuring it is completed, Vice President Inonge Wina has said.

Ms Wina refuted claims that the Zambian government had backed down on the joint venture with Bostwana to construct the bridge.

She said the Zambia would do its part as agreed by the two governments to ensure the project was completed.

Ms Wina said Government recently committed a substantial amount of money towards the construction of the bridge.

She was responding to Livingstone Member of Parliament Matthews Jere during her question time.

Mr Jere wanted to know whether it was true that the Zambian government had failed to honour its obligation towards the construction of the Kazungula Bridge.

“This government is very committed to ensuring that this bridge is constructed. We do realise the economic value of the bridge,” Ms Wina said.

And responding to Chimwemwe MP Elias Mwila on when the Land Policy Bill would be finalised, Ms Wina assured that it would soon be tabled in Parliament.

She said the bill had delayed because the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had to consult many stakeholders.

“The issues of land are very important and I do realise how important it is for this government to finalise the land policy.

“I can report to the house that by yesterday, the Minister of Lands had met the chiefs and they have finished and come to an understanding of how land should be managed in the country. I hope it will not be too long before the land policy is approved by Parliament,” Ms Wina said.

Meanwhile, Ms Wina says the relief on the US$70 million debt on the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium by the Chinese government was a sign of goodwill from the people of China.

She called for the end of scandalisation of the Chinese and other nationals who were residents in Zambia.

Ms Wina said foreigners were essential to contributing to the development of the country. She was responding to Ndola Central MP Emmanuel Mulenga who sought her position on those politicising the writing off of debts on the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium by the Chinese government.

“We thank the Chinese government for that gesture and a sign of goodwill. This goes to show that this type of goodwill can only come about with a good recognition of a country,” she said.